Linking Reservations
 

My friend (no status) and I are flying AAA-BBB-AAA on separate reservations. We are on the same flight for AAA-BBB, but on different flights (however on the same day) for BBB-AAA. I am planning on calling Delta to link the reservations together, so he can get the benefits (SkyPriority, upgrades, etc). This is all outlined on this page: https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles...llion-upgrades

My question is, will we still be allowed to link reservations, even though we are flying BBB-AAA at different times? If anyone can share their experiences with linking reservations, that would be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance! Figured I ask the Flyertalk community before I potentially get the wrong information from an agent.

While you can potentially request a companion upgrade by linking reservation, companion does not automatically get all the same benefits as Medallion (such as SkyPriority, preferred seating access, etc) simply by linking reservations. They need to be booked together on same PNR/reservation to get those which also require same itin and there is no way to combine on one PNR when booked separately. Companion upgrades also work differently when on separate reservations rather than a single reservation (where both Medallion and companion can be upgraded together at same priority).

Have you compared the OW versus RT fares? It might make sense to book the outbound on a single PNR and then do separate tickets, with two different PNRs, for the return.

For many domestic routes, RTs price as twice the OW fare, while for most international routes, RTs are much cheaper.

Yes, don't get your hopes up too much on a companion upgrade. The companion will be far down the list assuming that you did this due to companion having no status. I think if companion has any status, they will clear at their level/window and not your level. (I think this is still the case)

Linking isn't really a thing. It's a manual entry in your record that might be reviewed by a human if you're affected by irrops. However, nothing that is automated will see the "link."

Also, linking only "works" (if you want to call it that) if you're on an identical itinerary.

Flight has already been booked months ago. Fares are way higher than it was when we booked.

Per the DL website: "For example, if a Platinum Medallion Member and a General Member are traveling together, both will clear at the Platinum window."

Thanks! I did get a schedule change which allows me to change my BBB-AAA to my friend's flight without penalty. So I will do that and call in to link.

Yes you can 'link' which is essentially cross-referencing the PNRs. You can also request companion upgrade for another pax traveling on the same flight(s) as you. Even thought on separate PNRs, you can extend free checked bag to them if you check in with them at the airport, and you can have them board with you etc.

Regarding the upgrade, the key here is that from my recent experience with a non-status member travling with an elite member, agents know how to 'link' the PNRs but don't know how to request the upgrade properly... so you will have a difficult time getting their upgrade requested and it actually happening.

I'm not sure how much stock I would put in what is said on DL website actually reflecting reality. Companion on same reservation definitely clears at same time and priority as the Medallion. My impression is that companions on separate reservations clear independently and not necessarily at same priority. Perhaps someone with more experience with companions on separate reservations can comment. Also, it seems both companion and Medallion must be on "paid" reservations to link separate reservations for upgrades (and system will not allow mixing award and revenue fares with companion upgrades on separate reservations). There used to be some language to this effect, but it doesn't seem to be there any more.

IIRC companion upgrades still require that the companion's DL FF number be on the PNR. I also remember a perverse rule--which might have been changed--saying that nonelite companions cleared at the elite's status level, but elite companions cleared ar their own status levels, which seemed to suggest that it was better for the companion to have no status at all.

What's also weird is that linked companions don't get complimentary C+ upgrades, but will for everything else. This web page seems to be pretty up to date, as it includes the new RUC/GUC rules regarding domestic Delta One.https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a34dceeb50.jpg

It has been that way since C+ was started.
Again, getting upgrades are difficult enough these days, I wouldn't expect much unless it is an off day or off market.

Companions on separate PNRs must be linked to get companion UG’s. Must be a paid reservation.

If companion is non elite then they clear at your window/priority.

This worked well for me the other day, we both cleared at the gate on top of a long list - companion was #2 below me.